Injuries have affected the seasons of both starters today. Boston’s Wacha was going gangbusters in April, but has not been the same since a stint on the IL. Batters hit .143 against him in April, and .255 in May. The Reds’ ace, Castillo (4.35 ERA) missed all of April, and has just 4 starts to date. He has been better in each start, with a 2 run 5 inning effort last time out.

The Reds have won 4 of 5, beating a couple of good Giants pitchers in the process. The Sox are in a “win one, lose one” pattern, with some huge totals, for and against, in their last 10 games. The Reds are also hitting well, and are much improved since their abysmal start.

Neither bullpen has performed well lately and neither pitcher has pitched deep into the game, although Castillo should be stretched out by now and might be due. Especially concerning is Wacha’s play lately. It is a cool day in Fenway, and quite possibly a losing day for the home team. Take the underdogReds to win today.